Padel Player of the Week
Franco Stupaczuk "Stupa" , "El Super Ratón"
This week, we spotlight Franco Stupaczuk, known as 'El Super Ratón' (The Super Mouse). At 28, he's a formidable force in Padel, renowned for his explosive power and tactical intelligence. Stupaczuk's relentless energy and strategic prowess have secured his place among the top players. His ability to adapt quickly to opponents exemplifies modern Padel's evolving competitiveness.
Franco Stupaczuk, often simply referred to as "Stupa," is a prominent Argentine professional Padel player, born on March 25, 1996, in Chaco Province, Argentina. Standing at 1.80 meters, he is known for his lightning-fast reflexes and powerful, precise shots. Stupa currently plays in the backhand position and partners with Martin Di Nenno. Together, they form the formidable duo known as “Los Superpibes,” (The Superkids) currently ranked as the second pair in the Premier Padel rankings.
Franco Stupaczuk's playing style is a blend of aggressive and strategic play. He excels at the net, utilizing his aerial skills for powerful smashes and jump shots. His ability to read lobs and respond precisely makes him a formidable opponent. Over time, he has added diverse shots like the fake smash and side wall spins to his arsenal. Defensively, he is known for strong volleys and maintaining a deep net position.
Stupa's journey in Padel began at the age of 8. By 16, he and his partner, Martin Di Nenno, became the number 1 pair in the junior categories of Argentina. Their partnership faced a setback when a tragic accident sidelined Di Nenno for several months.
In 2017, at 21, Stupa transitioned to higher-tier tournaments with veteran Cristian Gutiérrez. They quickly made their mark by winning three tournaments. By mid-2019, Stupa and Gutiérrez parted ways, prompting Stupa to experiment with different partners and playing styles. He ended the year with Matías Diaz, winning the Cordoba Open, and then partnered with Sanyo Gutiérrez for the next season. Despite their complementary styles, they only won one tournament in Menorca before splitting.
In 2021, Stupa teamed up with Alex Ruiz, achieving strong results, including two tournament wins and finishing the season as the fourth-best pair. However, early 2022 brought challenges, leading to a split. Stupa then partnered briefly with Pablo Lima, with whom he won the Open de France and his first two Premier Padel titles. In 2023, Stupa reunited with Di Nenno after seven years, aiming to become the number 1 pair. Their reunion has been successful, winning six tournaments and the Doha Premier Padel tournament, solidifying their legend and aspiring to be the best in the world.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Throughout his career, Franco Stupaczuk has achieved significant success in both the World Padel Tour and Premier Padel circuits. In 2023, partnering with Martin Di Nenno, he secured victories in prestigious tournaments including the Amsterdam Open, Madrid Master, Valencia Open, Valladolid Open, France Open, and Danish Master.
Earlier achievements include the France Master with Pablo Lima in 2022, the Mexico Master and Sardegna Open with Alex Ruiz in 2021, and the Menorca Master with Sanyo Gutiérrez in 2020. Stupaczuk’s Premier Padel accomplishments are equally impressive, winning the Doha Premier Padel Major with Martin Di Nenno in 2023 and the Guiza and Mendoza Premier Padel Majors with Pablo Lima in 2022.
Check out this highlight reel of Franco’s outstanding performance!
BEYOND THE COURT
Beyond his impressive career on the court, Franco is known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to continuous improvement. Off the court, he is a passionate advocate for the growth and development of Padel, often engaging in activities to promote the sport globally.
Known for his sportsmanship and humility, fans love him with his fun personality and approachable demeanor.
Fun fact: One of his hobbies is playing video games and used to stream it on his twitch - @stupapel, recently streamed chatting with his fans. Follow and watch if ever he gets live!
- Follow @francohs22 on Instagram